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North Carolina’s offense is humming at the perfect time for an upset

By Kevin Connelly

Duke basketball (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Duke basketball (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The North Carolina Tar Heels have found a groove with an explosive offense they hope to use to pull off the upset on Saturday evening against the Duke basketball team.

For a majority of the season, the North Carolina Tar Heels have been the laughing stock of the ACC.

One of the ‘blue bloods’ of college basketball couldn’t get out of its own way, although injures played a major factor, and each loss was more excruciating than the last.

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However, in the last three games, something has started to click for the Tar Heels, and that all starts with point guard Cole Anthony.

Roy Williams‘ team has won its last three games, and his star point guard has combined for 72 points in those games on 12-of-20 shooing from 3-point range.

In his previous six games, all losses for the Tar Heels, Anthony made just 11 3-point field goals.

Cole Anthony led the Tar Heels in its overtime loss against Duke in mid-February with 24 points on 7-of-17 shooting.

In its most recent game, North Carolina did not have the service of Armando Bacot, and although he is questionable for the rematch with the Blue Devils, the expectation is that he will suit up and give it a go.

Bacot fouled out after 29 minutes against the Blue Devils in the first meeting but did have 12 points and seven rebounds while his backcourt mate, Garrison Brooks, went for 18 points and five rebounds.

North Carolina will also have Brandon Robinson against Duke, as the senior did not play in the first matchup due to injury.

ALSO READ: What Duke fans should be rooting for on final day of season

Robinson is averaging 12.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 40.5 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range, while the senior is known for his tenacious defense and taking charges.

The stats and the record books get thrown out the window when these two teams meet as shown in the first game between the two hated rivals.

ALSO READ: Cole Anthony feeling extremely confident heading into matchup with Duke

Tipoff is at 6:00pm EST in Cameron Indoor Stadium between Duke (24-6, 14-5 ACC) and North Carolina (13-17, 6-13 ACC).

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